The two main pillars of modern science are general relativity and quantum mechanics. Guided by recent developments in our research groups at the University of Vienna, the Research Platform “Testing quantum and gravity interface with single photons (TURIS)” seeks to establish a joint effort of new approaches that address the Big Question of interfacing quantum physics with gravity. Embedded in this research platform is the Doctoral College TURIS (DC TURIS) that aims at selecting and educating high potential early stage researchers from all around the world to become successful researchers and future innovation leaders.

From the experimental side, we take advantage of the multitude of sensitive quantum probes that are available at the Faculty of Physics, specifically entangled photons (Walther group), matter waves (Arndt group) and nano-mechanical devices (Aspelmeyer group). Each of these probes offers unique features in its interaction with gravity, which we will start to exploit by tailored table-top experiments. These efforts will be accompanied by theoretical studies of quantum description of the gravitational field (Chrusciel group) and its consequences for causal structures and quantum physics signatures (Brukner group). In addition we will design and perform preliminary tests using technology that is available at the Faculty of Astronomy (Alves group) for future experiments that aim to use satellites for enhancing these fundamental effects.

TURIS stands out for its high quality of education, research and advanced facilities. Specifically, the unique combination of expertise from quantum optics, quantum theory, gravitational physics and astrophysics at the University of Vienna supports interdisciplinary research via the TURIS Research Platform and offers a specialized doctoral training center through the TURIS Doctoral College.